[Admin]

This is a general list of things to verify if experiencing Peer-to-Peer networking problems

• All systems are part of the same workgroup


• All systems have different computer names.


• All systems are using the same protocol and preferably only one (e.g. TCP/IP).


• If using TCP/IP, assign different IPs to all systems unless using DHCP.


• If using Linksys Cable/DSL Router, see this link for support. This router uses DHCP.


• Make sure "Print and File Sharing" is enabled. Be cautious of these settings if using a broadband connection (e.g. Cable modem, ADSL...). Read this article to secure your Lan.


• You will need to share something (e.g. drive, folder, printer...).


• Make sure your "Primary Network Logon" is set to use the "Client for Microsoft Networks" in the network properties.


• If some systems are running Windows NT/2000/XP, make sure it has user accounts for the Win9x/ME systems.


• Make sure you log in on bootup. Don't hit cancel, enter a username and leave password blank if you want. The next time you bootup, hit OK or ENTER (Win9x/ME). If using Windows XP for some or all systems, read this article about blank passwords.


• If not using a hub, you can only connect two systems using twisted-pair cabling as long as it's a cross-over cable. Our Computer Ports / Connectors reference page explains how to tell what type of cable you have.


• If using a firewall, make sure all systems on the network are on the trust list of your firewall software.


• If your planning to share your cable or DSL internet connection (using ICS for example), make sure the host system has two NIC (network interface cards) if not using a router. Read this article that explains why.


• Want to share your Cable/DSL connection? Read this article for details.


• Using Windows XP? Need help with file sharing?
  Read this excellent article with step-by-step instructions on how to do this.

If you think I missed something please let me know

Thank you in advance,

Sylvain Amyot
forum@mytechsupport.ca

[Admin]

Some Rules for Adding Windows XP to an Existing Network

 

• Even if it tells you to do it, don't run Windows XP's Network Setup Wizard on the other networked computers. You want to make the Windows XP computer conform to the existing network. The Wizard wants to make the rest of the network conform to XP.


• You must disable Windows XP's Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) on a local area network connection to other computers. If it's enabled on a LAN, ICF will block file and printer sharing. This is probably the most common problem in Windows XP networking.


• To make most network settings, you must be logged on as a user that is a member of the Administrators group.


• Use the same protocol for File and Printer Sharing on all computers.


• Remove all network protocols that aren't required for a specific purpose.


• If you have multiple protocols, un-bind File and Printer Sharing from all but one.


• TCP/IP, by itself, works for all Windows networking functions. NetBEUI isn't necessary.


• If you assign IP addresses manually, use the same IP subnet on all computers.

[Admin]

Some useful links from Microsoft

• How to Set Up a Small Network with Windows XP Home Edition


• Windows XP Professional How-to Articles - Networking


• How to Troubleshoot TCP/IP Connectivity with Windows XP


• How to Troubleshoot TCP/IP Connectivity with Windows 2000 or Windows NT


• Windows XP KB Articles About Networking


• Troubleshooting Home Networking in Windows XP


• Troubleshooting Internet Connection Sharing in Windows XP


• Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Questions


• The Internet Connection Firewall Can Prevent Browsing and File Sharing


• ICS Does Not Install File and Printer Sharing By Default in Win98SE


• How to Configure Internet Connection Sharing

[Admin]

Other excellent resources on XP networking and ICS
Instead of re-writting what has already been done, I am providing links to documents that I find could be of good use. These documents are provided by Practically Networked according to their linking permissions.

• HowTo Files


• WinXP Simple File Sharing


• Windows XP Professional File Sharing


• Connecting to a Share from a Client Computer (Must Read)


• Windows XP Internet Connection Sharing


Other Operating Systems: Internet Connection Sharing

• ICS in Windows 98SE -Installation


• ICS in Windows ME - Installation


• ICS in Windows 2000 - Installation


• ICS in Windows 2000 - Installation with broadband


• ICS Troubleshooting

[Admin]

Other very useful links on setting up a home network

• TCP/IP Home Networking and File Sharing Tutorial by HomeNetHelp.com  


• Networking How To by HomeNetHelp.com